News Article

Posted on 20 Mar 2019

Please note: this is an old article

It was published in March 2019, so the information may be out-of-date.

STOP and use the retail lease checklist before signing on that dotted line.

For most business owners, entering a retail lease is a big decision and the whole experience can be daunting and overwhelming.

Disputes between landlords and tenants make up more than half the applications to the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC). This equates to more than 900 retail tenancy disputes a year.

The VSBC has published an information brochure ‘Retail Leases – important facts for tenants’. This fact sheet is designed to educate, inform and direct tenants to undergo due diligence before entering into a retail lease agreement to avoid the risk of future conflict.

I hope that by reading the Retail Leases fact sheet and completing the checklist, small business retailers will be better informed and gain the confidence to engage in lease negotiations.”  Judy O’Connell – Victorian Small Business Commissioner.

Click on the attachment for more information.

In the unfortunate case you find yourself in a dispute with your landlord or agent, the VSBC is here to assist you. You can speak to someone in person by calling 13 VSBC (13 8722).